The Healthy start scheme is moving online. From the end of March everyone that already receives the paper vouchers will now have to re-apply online. Check if you’re eligible for free food & milk & sign up here: https://www.healthystart.nhs.uk/
If you’re more than 10 weeks pregnant or have a child under 4, you may be entitled to get help to buy healthy food and milk.
If you’re eligible, you’ll be sent a Healthy Start card with money on it that you can use in some UK shops. NHS Healthy Start will add your benefit onto this card every 4 weeks.
You can use your card to buy:
- plain liquid cow’s milk
- fresh, frozen, and tinned fruit and vegetables
- fresh, dried, and tinned pulses
- infant formula milk based on cow’s milk
You can also use your card to collect:
- Healthy Start vitamins – these support you during pregnancy and breastfeeding
- vitamin drops for babies and young children – these are suitable from birth to 4 years old
Information from NHS Healthy Start:
How can I apply?
If you’re receiving a qualifying benefit and are pregnant or have parental responsibility for at least one child under the age of 4, you can apply online now for the NHS Healthy Start card (opens in a new tab).
How much will I get for my children?
- £4.25 each week of your pregnancy (from the 10th week of your pregnancy)
- £8.50 each week for children from birth to 1 year old
- £4.25 each week for children between 1 and 4 years old
Your money will stop after your child’s 4th birthday, or if you no longer receive benefits.
You can also get free Healthy Start vitamins.
I’m under 18 and not on benefits. Do I qualify?
If you’re under 18 and more than 10 weeks pregnant, you qualify for Healthy Start until your baby is born. You do not need to receive any of the qualifying benefits or be getting tax credits. To apply, you need to call us on 0300 330 7010 and provide:
- your baby’s due date
- a copy of your birth certificate
- your NHS number
- your National Insurance number
Find out about call charges (opens in a new tab).
After your baby is born, you will only continue to qualify for Healthy Start if you get the qualifying benefits or tax credits. To make sure you continue to receive Healthy Start vouchers once your baby is born, you should:
- call us on 0300 330 7010
- apply for Child Tax Credits as soon as you can
- inform Universal Credit by updating your online account
- reapply online and make a new claim
If you do not do this, your payment will stop 4 weeks after your baby’s due date.
I get Working Tax Credit. Do I qualify?
If you, your partner, or your carer get Working Tax Credit (WTC), you do not qualify for Healthy Start unless you’re under 18 and pregnant or you’re only getting the WTC 4 week run-on. WTC run-on is what you receive in the 4 weeks immediately after you have stopped working for 16 hours or more per week.
I’m unable to register my child’s birth, will I still get my payment?
You should speak to HMRC or DWP to ensure your child is included on your benefit claim so that your payment can be issued.
If you’re on Universal Credit you also need to phone us on 0300 330 7010 and tell us your baby’s name and date of birth. Without this, your payments may stop and you will need to reapply.
